The Etches Collection Museum of Jurassic Marine Life
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The Etches Collection

4.7
·697 reviews·Kimmeridge, United Kingdom

Discover the wonders of Jurassic marine life at The Etches Collection, home to an unparalleled fossil display including the 'Sea Rex' pliosaur skull.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, better viewing

CrowdLow
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The Etches Collection Museum of Jurassic Marine Life

The Etches Collection

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, better viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the wonders of Jurassic marine life at The Etches Collection, home to an unparalleled fossil display including the 'Sea Rex' pliosaur skull.

4.7
(697 reviews)

"An absolutely brilliant museum showcasing an incredible range of Jurassic marine fossils."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Pliosaur Skull Viewing

The Pliosaur skull is a major highlight; check for special viewing times or potential queues.

👟 Fossil Hunting Gear

Wear sturdy shoes for exploring Kimmeridge Bay for your own fossil finds.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 697 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Pliosaur Skull

The Pliosaur Skull

Main Exhibition Hall

Marvel at the most complete Jurassic pliosaur skull ever found, a true 'Sea Rex' that dominated ancient oceans.

Instagram+1
Steve Etches' Fossil Collection

Steve Etches' Fossil Collection

Throughout the museum

Explore over 40 years of local fossil hunting, showcasing an incredible array of Jurassic marine life.

Reddit
Interactive Displays

Interactive Displays

Various locations

Engage with animations and informative labels that bring prehistoric marine life to life for all ages.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for the Pliosaur

The recently unveiled Pliosaur skull is a major draw. Check opening times and consider booking tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure you don't miss this incredible Jurassic marine reptile specimen. Instagram

Combine with Kimmeridge Bay

Many visitors combine a trip to The Etches Collection with exploring Kimmeridge Bay for fossil hunting. Pack sturdy shoes and be mindful of tides and cliff safety. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Crowd
Low
When
After BBC documentary airings
Why
Increased interest in Pliosaur
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The most complete and best preserved Jurassic Pliosaur skull discovered to date went on display this month at The Etches Collection. We caught up with Dr Steve Etches MBE to find out more about this amazing find. #Pliosaur #AttenboroughAndTheGiantSeaMonster #SeaRex #Fossil #Jurassic
insidedorset
9 likes • 271 views

🎯 Pliosaur Skull Viewing

The Pliosaur skull is a major highlight; check for special viewing times or potential queues. Instagram+1

👟 Fossil Hunting Gear

Wear sturdy shoes for exploring Kimmeridge Bay for your own fossil finds. InstagramReddit

Racking up the Pliosaur teeth! Still a few more to add to this box of treasure, all associated from the same individual. These teeth belonged to a fearsome predator similar in size to the absolutely incredible Pliosaur skull announced by the BBC today and soon to be unveiled at the Etches Collection! Congratulations to Steve @tec_kimmeridge and the entire team responsible for recovering a speci...
monster.fossils
256 likes • 3.6K views
A team of fossil hunters, led by collector Steve Etches, has uncovered what is thought to be the most complete Jurassic pliosaur skull ever found.⁠ ⁠ Embedded high up on a cliff in Dorset, UK, Etches and his collaborator Chris Moore spent weeks suspended on the cliff face, digging out the fossil before winching it to safety. “This is the pinnacle, really, of the things that I’ve been involved with...
newscientist
5.6K likes • 195.9K views

🚗 Free On-Site Parking

Convenient free parking is available directly at the museum. Reddit

🎟️ Tickets Valid 12 Months

Your ticket allows re-entry for a full year – great for repeat visits! Reddit

Today we paid a visit to the The Etches Collection Museum of Jurassic Marine Life to see the pliosaur or "sea-rex" 🦕🦈 #wildevents #fossils #Dorset #pliosaur #dinosaur #history #fossilhunting #animals #nature #geek #museum #animalsofinstagram
conservationchatukltd
5 likes • 189 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Pliosaur Skull Viewing

The Pliosaur skull is a major highlight; check for special viewing times or potential queues. Instagram+1

👟 Fossil Hunting Gear

Wear sturdy shoes for exploring Kimmeridge Bay for your own fossil finds. InstagramReddit

🚗 Free On-Site Parking

Convenient free parking is available directly at the museum. Reddit

🎟️ Tickets Valid 12 Months

Your ticket allows re-entry for a full year – great for repeat visits! Reddit

🍽️ Picnic or Pub Lunch

Consider a picnic or the pub opposite; other dining options are limited. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(697 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise The Etches Collection for its stunning and well-presented Jurassic marine fossils, especially the remarkable Pliosaur skull. The friendly staff and interactive elements make it engaging for all ages, with many highlighting the value of 12-month ticket validity and free parking. Some note that dining options nearby can be pricey, suggesting picnics as an alternative.

"An absolutely brilliant museum. The Etches Collection showcases an incredible range of Jurassic marine fossils, all collected over 40+ years by local fossil hunter Steve Etches. The displays are beautifully presented, with interactive elements and fascinating insights into prehistoric life.

As a history teacher with a strong interest in natural history, I found it genuinely inspiring—especially with the new Natural History GCSE on the horizon. A huge thanks to my friend Ben, one of Steve’s colleagues, for the insightful tour and stories behind the collection.

A must-visit if you're in Dorset—perfect for families, fossil fans, and anyone curious about our prehistoric past!"

Alex Layzell

"Small but unique collection of prehistoric marine fossils. Friendly staff on hand to answer questions.
Free parking on site.
Most of the exhibition is upstairs but there is a lift available for disabled access.
Tickets valid for 12 months.
Excellent restaurant/cafe located opposite."

Colin Browne

"Took our grandchildren to see the collection. Good layout, the children loved the animations up near the ceiling, and the explanatory labels were excellent. Highly recommend watching the BBC documentary on the discovery of the plesiosaur head prior to going.
Take a picnic; the pub restaurant across the road is ridiculously expensive and there is literally nothing else there."

Mrs C Milnes

What People Like

Incredible fossil collection
Pliosaur skull display
Friendly and informative staff

What People Dislike

Expensive nearby dining

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Etches Collection is located in Kimmeridge, Dorset. It's accessible by car, with free parking available on-site. Reddit Public transport options are limited, so driving is often the most convenient way to reach the museum. TikTok

Yes, it can be a long day trip from London (around 3-4 hours drive each way), but many visitors make the journey to see the unique fossils. TikTok Consider staying overnight in Dorset for a more relaxed experience.

Driving is the most common method. The roads can be narrow and winding as you approach Kimmeridge. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices are reasonable, and they are valid for 12 months, allowing for repeat visits. Reddit Check their official website for the most current pricing.

Tickets can typically be purchased on the day, but booking in advance is recommended, especially if you want to guarantee entry during busy periods or for specific events. Instagram

Information on discounts for students, seniors, or families is usually available on their website. Consider Gift Aid if you are a UK taxpayer, as it helps support the museum. Reddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Instagram

Yes, most of the exhibition is upstairs, but there is a lift available for disabled access, ensuring everyone can enjoy the collection. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The star attraction is the incredibly well-preserved Pliosaur skull, often referred to as 'Sea Rex', discovered locally. Instagram+1 The entire collection of Jurassic marine fossils is also a major draw. Reddit

Absolutely! Children often love the interactive animations and the fascinating fossils. It's a great place to spark their interest in natural history. InstagramReddit

Photography for personal use is generally permitted, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or tripods. Instagram

Most visitors spend 1-2 hours exploring the collection, but you could easily spend longer if you engage with all the interactive elements or combine it with a trip to Kimmeridge Bay. Reddit

Kimmeridge Bay is famous for its fossil hunting opportunities. You can also enjoy the coastal scenery and rock pools. InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the museum itself may not have extensive dining facilities, there is an excellent restaurant/cafe located opposite the museum. Reddit

There's a pub/restaurant across the road, and the village of Kimmeridge offers a few options. Some visitors recommend bringing a picnic to enjoy the scenery. InstagramReddit

Some reviews suggest the pub restaurant can be expensive, so packing a picnic or checking menus beforehand is advisable. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Pliosaur skull is a must-photograph subject. The well-lit displays of ammonites, ichthyosaurs, and other marine fossils also make for great shots. Instagram

It's best to check the museum's policy on flash photography, as it can sometimes damage delicate exhibits. Instagram

Yes, the coastal scenery around Kimmeridge Bay offers stunning photographic opportunities, especially at sunrise or sunset. Instagram

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